Chapter 9

When the gentlemen returned, Elizabeth was feeling much more herself. Her eyes were twinkling when they greeted them, and Darcy hated to, once again, take that away from her.

"So, you have returned and are ready to discuss that 'delicate' matter with us poor females?" she teased Darcy.

He nodded and gave her a slight smile. "I apologize for not telling you directly, Miss Elizabeth, but I needed to discuss it with your uncle first. It also was not the kind of news I wanted to share with you in a carriage, so I opted to wait," he said earnestly before leading her to a settee across the room from the Gardiners.

This action surprised her relations, and Gardiner merely shrugged at his wife as he quietly told her what had been discussed in the study. Then, they turned to watch the other couple.

"Miss Elizabeth," he began after a minute of contemplation, then shook his head and tried again. "Elizabeth, I hate to tell you this, but Mr Bennet wrote a letter to Mr Elliott asking him to approve a marriage contract for you." She gasped at this, and he took her hand in his, lightly caressing it as he spoke softly. "He wanted to engage you to his heir, who was willing to give up his rights to Longbourn because he believed he would inherit Briarwood. Mr Bennet either had forgotten or was unaware that the estate passed directly to you and is prevented from being absorbed into your husband's holdings. It is yours and will always be yours. I do not know if anything would prevent you from selling it or, I do not know, giving it to someone, though your husband would not be entitled to it upon your marriage."

"He's attempting to trade my future for his wife's comfort and security," Elizabeth said blankly.

"Yes," he replied.

Elizabeth let out a shuddering breath. "Obviously, you will not approve, will Mr Elliott?"

"No, and your approval is required as well. All four of us must agree to any marriage entered into before you majority; however, after your birthday, only three must. Once you have attained your majority, Mr Bennet will no longer have any say."

"That is good to know," she replied, sounding very tired. "What else do I need to know?"

"Mr Collins, the heir, is most likely a sycophantic fool," Darcy told her. "He is my aunt's rector, and she likes to surround herself with people who never dare disagree with her. It is unlikely he would be anything else, and he probably believes he would be doing you a favour by marrying you. Your uncle wonders how long this has been planned and if the Bennets were ever planning to tell you the truth. They will be upset to learn that I have told you any of this."

"I need to move," Elizabeth replied, and Darcy had to hide a smile. She asked permission from her uncle to escape to the garden. Permission was granted, and Elizabeth flew through the house toward the outdoors without even bothering with a coat or hat. Darcy could only follow behind.

She paced through the back garden for several minutes, her frustration evident. "Despite my contentment in being with my aunt and uncle, I long to be in the countryside right now, where I could roam much farther than the boundaries of this garden. I am not in the mood for a leisurely stroll in the park; I yearn for a place where I can embark on a lengthy, invigorating walk where I can walk off my frustration."

Darcy had just watched as she paced, uncertain of what she needed from him at that moment. So he simply followed her and then stood and waited for her to continue. "I know of some places I could take you outside of town. Of course, it would be better if you could ride."

"Mr Bennet did not keep horses appropriate for us to ride sidesaddle. Nor would Mrs Bennet purchase me a habit had I wanted to ride. I would guess that Mr Elliott was told I was taught," Elizabeth replied bitterly. "Twelve hundred a year could have afforded me many more opportunities than I was given. He has stolen from me—that was money I was entitled to. I would not have complained had they kept back part of that money for themselves, but all of it was spent on them; none was spent on its intended use. I wanted to learn to ride; I asked for tutors who would teach me; I begged to be permitted to go to school. Although, if Miss Bingley is an example of what I would have learned at school, perhaps it was better I did not attend. Regardless, my uncle took what was not his and deprived me of what I was entitled to. He robbed me of so much, and even should he have to pay it back—which he never will be able to do—he cannot restore to me what I lost due to his selfishness."

Elizabeth began to sob heavily, and Darcy rushed to take her in his arms before she collapsed. He caught her as she began to fall and sat down heavily with her in his arms. Pulling her into his lap, as he was uncertain of what else to do, he wrapped his arms around her and let her cry.

Gardiner found them like this sometime later and gave Darcy a stern look. Darcy merely shrugged helplessly and continued rocking Elizabeth in his arms as he muttered soothing words. Gardiner sat on a bench and watched the couple. After a few more minutes, she finally seemed to recollect herself.

"I am sorry, Mr Darcy," Gardiner heard her whisper.

"I am happy to help, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy replied. "It is time you gave into your emotions, and I am glad I was here when you finally felt safe enough to do so."

Gardiner felt the need to interject himself into the conversation. "Lizzy, Darcy, shall we return inside to a more appropriate setting?"

Elizabeth suddenly started and realized that she was seated on Darcy's lap on the ground in the garden. A deep blush washed over her cheeks, but she simply nodded in acknowledgement. of the less-than-subtle command in her uncle's voice. Darcy extended a hand to assist her in standing and then straightened himself from his somewhat uncomfortable position.

"I am not even certain what happened. I was stalking through the garden, and then I think I collapsed. How did we end up … as we were?" she asked Darcy as they walked inside.

"I caught you just as you collapsed, but I did so awkwardly and fell with you. It was simpler to hold you than to try to do anything else. I cannot say I regretted it, though I hate that you are in this position at all. I would gladly hold you any time, my dear," he whispered, causing her to blush again.

"You are a rogue, sir," she whispered back.

"No, but I do care about you very much, Elizabeth. I am so sorry that we have not had a chance to get to know each other in less fraught circumstances, but I would gladly comfort you whenever you feel the least bit like crying. I only hope that I can make you equally as happy someday."

Elizabeth laughed lightly. "I have changed my opinion, sir. You are not only a rogue, but you are a charming rogue."

"No one else will believe it of me, dearest," he replied. "I will bring my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, around, and he will tell you. I have been called many things in my life, but you are the only one ever to call me charming."

"Then I am pleased to know I have been the one to bring this out in you," she replied as they entered the parlour with the Gardiners. "Now, we need to speak to my aunt and uncle again and decide what to do next."

As different ideas were debated, Darcy was impressed with the breadth of understanding of both ladies present. Several ideas were discussed and cast aside just as quickly, but nothing was decided on. Obviously, the marriage to Mr Collins was not even a consideration, and Darcy was reluctant to press his own suit openly. Too many had warned him to allow Elizabeth time, and he wanted to do that, to allow them time to come to an understanding.

As the second trustee, Mr Elliott also needed to be a part of any conversation. They would schedule a time to meet with him as soon as he arrived in town, but for now, Darcy would continue to court Elizabeth, glad he could now do so openly, though, at the same time, he wished for the intimacy they had managed when standing on top of Oakham Mount.

Finally, Darcy became aware of the time and stood to take his leave.

"I apologize that I have remained far longer than I intended. there was much that needed to be discussed, but it did not all need to be resolved today. I will let you know when we may meet with Mr Elliott, but I do hope to still call on Miss Elizabeth each day while she is in town. I have several business matters to attend to tomorrow, but might I call in the afternoon?"

Darcy addressed this to Mr Gardiner, but that gentleman looked at his niece and, seeing her nod, agreed. "My wife intends to take Lizzy to do some shopping in the morning, but they will return by two in the afternoon," Gardiner said, looking to his wife for confirmation. Darcy agreed to this and promised to arrive around three in the afternoon, asking permission to bring his sister. Approval for that was also granted.

"Mr Gardiner, I apologize, but I did need to ask one more question before I departed. Will you accompany me to the door?" Darcy requested.

Surprised, Gardiner agreed, and Darcy took his leave of Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth. He kissed Elizabeth's hand slowly, caressing it slightly as he did so and leaving her feeling warm.

As the two gentlemen moved toward the door, Darcy hesitated. "Ask your question, Darcy," Gardiner commanded.

"I do not mean to offend, but I am aware of what Elizabeth's estate earns. Can I … would you allow me to advance the funds for Elizabeth to receive a new wardrobe while she is in town? She is entitled to so much more, but the Bennets have denied her what she is due, and I think she would appreciate receiving some of what she deserves now. I would also like to take e her to the theatre and perhaps a dinner or two; her acceptance into society would be smoothed if she dressed the part. She is a very wealthy landowner, not to mention she will be a substantial heiress on her next birthday, and while I do not want to give any other gentlemen a chance with her, it would be best if she were accepted as she is."

"Do not worry, son," Gardiner replied. "My wife will ensure she is properly outfitted, and it will not be a difficulty for us. She has several dresses she leaves here that are far superior to anything she would have at Longbourn. My wife and I have always ensured she was well dressed when she was with us, even without knowing of her inheritance."

"Thank you, sir," Darcy replied. "I did not mean to offend…"

Gardiner cut him off. "You did not offend, and I appreciate your desire to ensure my niece is taken care of. It demonstrates your care for her. How long will you wait to propose?"

Darcy sighed. "Now, though, I think it best to wait until she is a little more settled. She collapsed in my arms earlier because it finally hit her. I suppose it is because she felt safe enough in your house to finally give in to all she felt."

"Not in my house, Darcy, in your arms," Gardiner replied. "She finally felt safe enough because she was with you. I do not think she would have given in to her feelings in that way with me. My wife, perhaps, but she felt safe enough with you."

As he left, Darcy let that thought turn over and over in his mind and continued thinking about it until he returned the following day.